Events and Activities : Introduction to Trap Shooting delayed until Oct. 13

The Red Cedar Izaak Walton League will be holding an "Introduction to Trap Shooting" seminar for anyone ages 12 and up at the Red Cedar Chapter house, Hwy 150 North of Vinton, on Saturday, Oct. 13, from 1-5 p.m.

The event had been scheduled for this weekend, but due to lots of conflicts with the date from those interested in attending, the class has been moved back a month and will run from 1-5pm, instead of all day too.

The class will be instructed by NRA/CMP/USA and DNR certified shotgun coaches, and assisted by members of the Vinton-Shellsburg High School "Red Cedar Shooters" Trap Team. The seminar will cover "everything you wanted to know about getting started trap shooting, but were too afraid, or too embarassed to ask" says Jeff Tilson, Vinton Police Chief and coach of the Vinton-Shellsburg Red Cedar Shooters High School Trap Team.

"We've seen a huge upswing in the interest in trap shooting, and shooting sports in general the past few years. Trap Shooting is probably the single fastest growing competitive sport in Iowa High Schools right now. In Iowa alone, we've seen the numbers grow from 395 competitors state-wide in 2007, to 1,789 in 2012, with over 2,300 anticipated for the 2013 season."

"People that know I coach the Red Cedar Shooters have told me that it sure looks fun, but they have no idea how to get started and are afraid to ask. Others remember trap shooting in their youth, and want to get back into it. We want to provide a very relaxed and safe opportunity for anyone who's ever had an interest in trap shooting to come out, learn about it, and even take a few shots at some moving targets before the day is over." he added.

The Vinton Shellsburg Red Cedar Shooters have called the Vinton Ikes Club home since the teams inception in 2009. In 2011, the Red Cedar Shooters finished 3rd in the State, and in 2012 finished 9th overall.

Topics covered during the seminar will include range rules and conduct, etiquette and safety, gun selection, gun mounting, stance, hold points, leads on the target, and will utilize class room instruction and video presentations during the morning part of the session, with the afternoon spent on the range, taking a few shots at moving targets. A limited number of 12 and 20 gauge shotguns will be available for attendees to use, or they may bring their own. Eye and hearing protection are also required, and will be available for attendees to use.

Registration is open to anyone ages 12 and up. Attendees under 18 must have an Iowa DNR Hunter Safety Certificate and a signed parental consent form prior to participating. A DNR Hunter Safety class is being held at the Benton County Nature Center on August 25-26, and anyone needing this class can sign-up on the Iowa DNR training website.

Cost for the day long trap shooting seminar will be $10 per person, which will include hand-outs, targets and ammunition (lunch will be on your own). Each participant will receive a certificate from the Ikes Club good for 1 free round of trap shooting at the Vinton Ikes Club on any regular Thursday evening open trap shoot.

Pre-registration is required in order to plan for adequate supplies. To register, e-mail Jeff Tilson at redcedarcoach@gmail.com to reserve a spot in the class. Please include your name and a phone number you can be reached at.